"The president said the devastation caused by natural disasters rooted in climate change was “a blinking ‘code red’ for our nation.”"
"WASHINGTON — President Biden flew to Colorado on Friday to console residents suffering from swift wildfires that destroyed nearly 1,000 homes, while pointing to the devastation as evidence of the urgent need to address natural disasters rooted in the global climate crisis.
Almost as soon as he arrived in the mountain-flanked town of Louisville, Mr. Biden assumed one of the more practiced roles of his presidency as he comforted families during his tour of charred homes, scorched trees and scalded cars, all blanketed in snow. The president’s visit came after catastrophic flames — fueled by powerful winds, parched grasses and unusually dry and warm conditions — quickly swept into the suburbs between Denver and Boulder last month.
“It’s as devastating as it looks on television,” Mr. Biden said. “As devastating as the many environmental crises I’ve seen in the last year.”
The president has made several other trips since taking office to empathize with Americans suffering disasters, including tornadoes in Kentucky, blackouts in Texas and a building collapse in Florida, often winning praise from local officials for his willingness to consistently deploy federal resources — a contrast from his predecessor. This week, Mr. Biden approved a disaster declaration in Boulder County, freeing up federal funds for temporary housing, home repairs and loans."
Zolan Kanno-Youngs reports for the New York Times January 7, 2022.
SEE ALSO:
"Biden Calls Colorado's Most Destructive Wildfire 'Code Red' Climate Warning" (Reuters)
"Biden Visits Colorado Town Ravaged By Wildfire, Cites Climate Change" (Washington Post)
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